Testimonials

Read what our past students and parents have to say about Canada's Best™ Karate...

LISA MARSH - Parent and CBK Student,

CBK is definitely one of the best organizations that my children and I have ever joined!!! We all belong to the Douglas Street dojo. My daughter Kirsten started it all - she joined CBK when she was in grade 2. Four and half years later, Kirsten is a brown ni belt and also one of the junior instructors. Adam, my son, also joined when he was 7 and has progressed to red belt. I was (a little) older than they when I joined…37 to be exact, and in 2 and a half years have progressed to blue belt. Needless to say, we are at the dojo just about every day of the week that it is open!!

For myself, I was looking for an activity that not only provided a physical challenge but also a mental challenge and opportunities for spiritual growth. I tried the gym and aerobics training off and on for a few years but I was never really challenged by those activities! Karate also gave me the opportunity to become even more involved in my children's training, as we can practice together and even take classes together! I have not only gained basic karate skills and techniques but also great friendships with other students. The camaraderie, commitment and support we demonstrate to one another are instrumental in our karate training.

As a parent, I was looking for an activity that my children would find fun and rewarding but at the same time provide them with skills that they could develop as their body and mind grew and developed. Martial arts training at CBK has more than surpassed my expectations! They have learned self-discipline, respect, and goal setting which in turn has provided them positive reinforcement, enhanced self esteem and achievement! The positive reinforcement that a child receives as a result of this achievement cannot be explained in words or measured in dollars! All of this in a fun and positive atmosphere while learning life-long skills!!

I strongly believe that my children and (other students) love the school and CBK because of Sensei Leigh and Sempai Jason. We have incredible respect and admiration for the two of them-they are extraordinary martial artists that are able to relate to, motivate and inspire both adults and children with their teaching! Thank-you for helping each one of us in the pursuit of excellence!!  ~Lisa Marsh

LOUISE FORD - mother of Geoff Ford.

My son Geoff has been coming to your classes for the past 6½ years. He is a very athletic young man involved in many different sports. Our experience has shown us, that at a certain age other sports become so competitive that some young kids participating on teams end up playing less and being discouraged with their abilities and then of course eventually they choose not to participate at all. Basically the fun stops as it becomes more serious. This has not affected my son, however, he sees others that have and doesn't understand it or like it. He has chosen to stop participating in some of these sports because in his words, "It isn't fun anymore." This really made us stop and think about how important the "fun" is.

Geoff has always had fun at the dojo and is always encouraged to do his best and meet his goals. There isn't anything wrong with competition, but if the "fun" stops" is it worth it? Not in our eyes. We believe that kids participate in a variety of activities for many different reasons, but if they aren't having "fun" then they will soon lose interest.

Not only does he learn self-defense, the importance of self-discipline, respect, loyalty and self-confidence, but also he gets to have fun while he is doing it. We do not think that any program could offer more. We believe that Canada's Best Karate has provided our son with the best program in town and Sensei Leigh has definitely provided fantastic leadership and a "FUN" atmosphere.

Thank you to Sensei Lee and Canada's Best Karate.
Yours truly, Louise Ford

SECTION B2, TIMES COLONIST

"It is without a doubt, the best thing I have ever done for my child."

Not too many parents can make a definitive statement like that, but Rebecca Chapple has no problem identifying karate as a turning point in the life of her 8-year-old son Nicholas. His temper tantrums and acting out had her at her wit's end. When someone suggested karate classes she was skeptic, but took Nick, then just five years old, to Canada's Best Karate (CBK). Right away she noticed an improvement in Nick's behaviour. He began to control his temper. He grew more confident, his concentration improved and he fell in love with karate. Now, Rebecca takes karate too.

That seems to be a common story. Wanda Crouse enrolled her sons Matt and Tim, who were 10 and 12 years old, at Canada's Best Karate. She watched them take their initial classes and decided to join, too. Now her 15-year-old daughter Alana is also taking karate. "What I like about Canada's Best Karate is how much fun we have," says Dr. Crouse. "Tim Alana and I are all in the same class and we come home and try stuff out together." She loves the idea of an activity that she can learn and enjoy on an equal footing with her children.

Karate teaches a combination of mental and physical discipline and Canada's Best Karate has used those principles in a unique program called Building Character Month By Month. Each month Canada's Best Karate emphasises a different element of character. One month's theme might be honesty, the next month cleanliness.

Parents know the importance of self-esteem for their children. Studies have shown that karate improves kids' confidence, social and cognitive skills, as well as their fitness and coordination. Judging by its growth rate - the number of martial arts students under 12 has virtually doubled in the past six years - a lot of kids are finding karate to their liking. Parents, too.

Canada's Best Karate has a philosophy of having young people teach young people, taking what amounts to a mentoring role as well as acting as an instructor. Lee Mueller has been teaching karate at Canada's Best Karate since he was 13, shortly after getting his black belt in karate. The kids relate to him, a fact that isn't lost on the parents. "I thought, 'This is a good role model'" says Wanda Crouse. "But there are a number of teenage boys there. Theyre nice people, they're confident, respectful and have a lot of fun."

  John Bui is one of those teenage boys. Now 14, he has been taking instruction at Canada's Best Karate since he was 8. He works with the youngest students, in CBK's exclusive Safe4Kids and continues to work on his own skills. He also credits karate with helping him overcome behavioural problems, "It taught me to calm down. I used to be short-tempered, but now I hardly ever get mad." He has found not only a discipline and an activity, but a life path. "I plan to keep going on it, probably for the rest of my life."

"Nick helps with the Safe4Kids program," says Rebecca Chappel. "I went to pick him up the other day and he was sitting there with a tot, reading to her, while they were waiting for her father to come. I said 'it's time to go' and he said 'I can't yet, Mom. She's my responsibility.'
  "Someone asked me if taking Nick to karate is expensive. I said 'expensive? It's a fraction of what I'd pay to see this in Nicholas."
 Canada's Best Karate has two locations in the Victoria area. They are open daily, offer a variety of programs for kids and adults and can be reached at 475-2234.